C1 Expression Formal 5 min read

To deal with this matter

Academic essay writing expression

In 15 Seconds

  • A formal C1 expression for taking responsibility.
  • Indicates a serious and professional resolution process.
  • Must include the preposition 'with' to be correct.
  • Best suited for legal, business, or academic contexts.

Meaning

When you say you will `to deal with this matter`, you are taking full ownership of a situation. It implies a serious, systematic approach to solving a problem that requires professional attention. It carries a heavy 'vibe' of authority and responsibility, signaling that the 'playing around' phase is over.

Key Examples

3 of 10
1

Formal business email

Our legal team has been instructed `to deal with this matter` before the end of the fiscal year.

Our legal team has been instructed to handle this situation before the end of the fiscal year.

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2

Job interview on Zoom

In my last role, I was the primary contact `to deal with this matter` regarding client disputes.

In my last role, I was the primary contact to handle client disputes.

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3

Customer service response

We have opened a high-priority case `to deal with this matter` regarding your missing shipment.

We have opened a high-priority case to handle the issue of your missing shipment.

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🌍

Cultural Background

In British English, 'dealing with a matter' is often used by civil servants and lawyers to maintain a 'stiff upper lip'—showing competence without showing emotion. In American corporate culture, this phrase is often a 'closer.' It's used to end a discussion and move into the action phase. When translated into Japanese contexts, this phrase is often used to avoid direct blame while still acknowledging that a problem exists. Germans value precision; using this phrase suggests a very specific, documented process is being followed.

🎯

The 'Personally' Add-on

Adding the word 'personally' (I will deal with this matter personally) is the fastest way to build trust with an angry client.

⚠️

Don't Overuse

If you use this for every small task, you will sound like a robot. Save it for things that actually require 'authority'.

In 15 Seconds

  • A formal C1 expression for taking responsibility.
  • Indicates a serious and professional resolution process.
  • Must include the preposition 'with' to be correct.
  • Best suited for legal, business, or academic contexts.

What It Means

Ever felt like a situation needed a 'suit and tie' kind of response? That is exactly what to deal with this matter provides. It is not just about fixing something quickly. It is about managing a situation with a level of gravity. When you use this phrase, you are telling the other person that you recognize the importance of the issue. You are promising a professional resolution. It is the verbal equivalent of rolling up your sleeves in a boardroom. You are the person in charge now. The matter is no longer just a 'thing'; it is a formal task.

How To Use It

Using this phrase requires a bit of confidence. You typically place it at the end of a sentence to show finality. For example, I have appointed a team to deal with this matter. It functions as an infinitive phrase here. You can also use it to start a formal email. Regarding the recent budget discrepancy, I am writing to deal with this matter. It sounds very decisive. It is like a verbal 'period' at the end of a long discussion. Just make sure you actually have a plan. Saying it and then doing nothing is a big corporate 'no-no'.

Formality & Register

This phrase lives in the world of high-stakes emails and legal documents. It is definitely not for your WhatsApp group chat with college friends. Unless, of course, they owe you money and you want to sound scary. In a professional setting, it sits at a C1 or C2 level. It shows you have a grasp of nuanced, formal English. It is much more formal than I'll handle it or I'll take care of it. If I'll fix it is a hoodie, to deal with this matter is a three-piece suit. Use it when the stakes are high and the audience is professional.

Real-Life Examples

Imagine you are in a Zoom meeting with a difficult client. They are complaining about a late delivery. You look them in the eye and say, I will personally deal with this matter today. Boom. Instant professional points. Or think about a formal letter from a university. The Dean has been notified to deal with this matter regarding your scholarship. It sounds serious because it is. You might even see it in a Netflix legal drama. The lawyer leans across the desk and whispers, We need to deal with this matter before it goes to trial. It adds drama and weight to any scenario.

When To Use It

You should pull this phrase out when things get serious. Use it for legal issues or HR complaints. It is perfect for responding to a formal customer grievance on LinkedIn. Use it when you want to stop people from worrying. It tells them a 'grown-up' is now handling the problem. It is also great for academic writing when discussing how a government handles a crisis. For instance, The government failed to deal with this matter effectively. It shows a sophisticated command of English verbs. It makes your arguments sound more grounded and authoritative.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use this while ordering a Caramel Macchiato. I would like to deal with this matter of my coffee order makes you sound like a super-villain. It is way too heavy for casual life. Avoid it with your partner when discussing whose turn it is to do the dishes. Unless you want a very long, very awkward silence. Also, do not use it for tiny, insignificant errors. If you misspelled a word in a text, just say My bad. Using to deal with this matter for a typo is like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Keep it for the big stuff.

Common Mistakes

I will deal this matter soon. I will deal with this matter soon.

(People often forget the with. Without it, the sentence falls apart.)

We must deal with this matter's problem. We must deal with this matter.

(The 'matter' is the problem. You do not need to add the word 'problem' again.)

I am dealing with this mattering. I am dealing with this matter.

(Matter is a noun here, not a verb-ing form.)

Many learners try to make it too complex. Keep it simple: deal + with + this matter.

Common Variations

If you want to spice things up, you can try to address this issue. It is slightly more modern but just as formal. To handle this concern is another good one. It feels a bit softer, maybe better for customer service. In the UK, you might hear to sort this out, but that is much more informal. If you are feeling very 'Wall Street', you might say to resolve this situation. Each variation has a slightly different flavor. To deal with this matter remains the king of formal, decisive action. It is the classic choice for a reason.

Real Conversations

HR Manager: We received a report about the broken elevator.

C

CEO

I have already instructed the facilities team to deal with this matter immediately.
S

Student

I think there is a mistake in my final grade.
P

Professor

Please send me an email, and I will deal with this matter after office hours.
C

Customer

My flight was canceled, and nobody is helping me!
A

Agent

I understand your frustration. I am opening a ticket to deal with this matter right now.

Quick FAQ

Is it too formal for an email to a colleague? Yes, usually. Stick to I'll look into this for teammates. Save the 'matter' for the big bosses. Can I use it in a text? Only if you are being intentionally dramatic or funny. Otherwise, you will sound like a robot. Does it mean the same as 'fix'? Mostly, but it implies a process, not just a quick patch. It means you are looking at the whole situation, not just one small part.

Usage Notes

This is a high-register phrase. It is almost exclusively used in professional, legal, or academic environments. The biggest 'gotcha' is omitting the word 'with'—ensure the verb-preposition pair remains intact.

🎯

The 'Personally' Add-on

Adding the word 'personally' (I will deal with this matter personally) is the fastest way to build trust with an angry client.

⚠️

Don't Overuse

If you use this for every small task, you will sound like a robot. Save it for things that actually require 'authority'.

💬

The Passive Shield

Use 'The matter is being dealt with' when you want to sound professional but don't want to take individual blame if things go wrong.

Examples

10
#1 Formal business email
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Our legal team has been instructed `to deal with this matter` before the end of the fiscal year.

Our legal team has been instructed to handle this situation before the end of the fiscal year.

Here, 'matter' replaces 'legal issue' to sound more professional.

#2 Job interview on Zoom
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

In my last role, I was the primary contact `to deal with this matter` regarding client disputes.

In my last role, I was the primary contact to handle client disputes.

Shows authority and experience in handling difficult situations.

#3 Customer service response
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

We have opened a high-priority case `to deal with this matter` regarding your missing shipment.

We have opened a high-priority case to handle the issue of your missing shipment.

Provides reassurance to the customer through formal language.

#4 Academic essay on policy
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

The local government failed `to deal with this matter` of urban pollution effectively.

The local government failed to handle the issue of urban pollution effectively.

Used to critique an organization's handling of a large-scale issue.

#5 Instagram caption about a 'Karen' encounter
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Had to call the manager `to deal with this matter` because life is too short for bad service! 💅

Had to call the manager to handle this situation because life is too short for bad service!

Uses formal language in a casual setting for humorous effect.

#6 Texting a friend about a debt
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I'm heading to the bank right now `to deal with this matter` once and for all.

I'm heading to the bank right now to settle this situation once and for all.

Conveys a sense of urgency and finality.

#7 Slack message to a boss
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

I'll be offline for an hour `to deal with this matter` concerning the server crash.

I'll be offline for an hour to handle the server crash.

Short, punchy, and professional for internal communication.

Common mistake: missing 'with' Common Mistake
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

✗ I will deal this matter. → ✓ I will `deal with this matter` as soon as I return.

I will handle this situation as soon as I return.

Always remember the preposition 'with'!

Common mistake: wrong preposition Common Mistake
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

✗ To deal about this matter... → ✓ `To deal with this matter`, we need more data.

To handle this situation, we need more data.

Don't use 'about'; it's always 'with'.

#10 HR dispute
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

It is our responsibility `to deal with this matter` with the utmost confidentiality.

It is our responsibility to handle this situation with total privacy.

Emphasizes the sensitivity of the situation.

Test Yourself

Complete the sentence with the correct preposition.

The HR department will deal _____ this matter on Monday morning.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: with

The idiom is always 'to deal with' something.

Which sentence is the most appropriate for a formal business email?

A client has complained about a billing error. What do you say?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I will deal with this matter immediately.

This option uses the correct formal register and the full idiom.

Match the verb with its correct usage.

Verbs: 1. Deal, 2. Handle, 3. Address

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-with the matter, 2-the matter, 3-the matter

Only 'deal' requires 'with' in this context.

Complete the dialogue with the most professional response.

CEO: 'The press is asking about the data leak.' Manager: '_________________'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Our PR team is already dealing with the matter.

This is formal, grammatically correct, and reassuring.

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

When to Use 'Deal With This Matter'

💼

Professional

  • Legal issues
  • Client complaints
  • HR disputes

Avoid

  • Dinner plans
  • Jokes with friends
  • Small chores

Practice Bank

4 exercises
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition. Fill Blank A2

The HR department will deal _____ this matter on Monday morning.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: with

The idiom is always 'to deal with' something.

Which sentence is the most appropriate for a formal business email? Choose B2

A client has complained about a billing error. What do you say?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I will deal with this matter immediately.

This option uses the correct formal register and the full idiom.

Match the verb with its correct usage. Match C1

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-with the matter, 2-the matter, 3-the matter

Only 'deal' requires 'with' in this context.

Complete the dialogue with the most professional response. dialogue_completion B2

CEO: 'The press is asking about the data leak.' Manager: '_________________'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Our PR team is already dealing with the matter.

This is formal, grammatically correct, and reassuring.

🎉 Score: /4

Frequently Asked Questions

5 questions

Yes, but 'matter' sounds more professional and less emotional than 'problem.'

It is always 'dealt' (irregular verb). 'Dealed' is not a word.

Only if it's a work-related text. For friends, it's too formal.

'Handle' is more direct and active; 'deal with' is more procedural.

Yes, 'I will deal with him' can mean 'I will talk to him,' but it often sounds a bit aggressive or disciplinary.

Related Phrases

🔗

to handle with kid gloves

specialized form

To deal with a matter very carefully.

🔗

to take care of business

similar

To do what needs to be done.

🔗

to address the elephant in the room

similar

To deal with an obvious but ignored matter.

🔗

to sweep it under the rug

contrast

To ignore a matter instead of dealing with it.

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